Postdoctoral Research Associate

wsu

Wenatchee (WA)

On-site

USD 62,000 - 64,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Deferred compensation

Supplemental retirement accounts

Job summary

WSU in Wenatchee, WA seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to study physiological mechanisms affecting carbon movement in x-disease infected sweet cherry trees. You will conduct field and lab experiments, prepare reports and conference presentations, and write journal manuscripts.

You will supervise students and staff while advancing tree physiology research in collaboration with the x-disease task force.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field completed within the last 5 years.
Demonstrated ability to write papers independently.
Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
Technical laboratory skills including microscopy and spectrophotometry.
Ability to supervise graduate/undergraduate students and staff.

Responsibilities

Plan field and laboratory experiments based on season and phenology.
Run established protocols and develop new procedures to achieve research goals.
Collect, process and analyze field and lab data.
Coordinate data collection and logistics.

Skills

Writing ability

Interpersonal skills

Laboratory skills

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Horticulture/Plant Science

Tools

Microscopy

Spectrophotometry

Job description

Available Title(s)

306-YY_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research Associate

Business Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Employee Type

Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Term

12 Month

Position Details

This position will be working on research to identify the physiological mechanisms affecting carbon movement within sweet cherry trees that are infected by x-disease phytoplasma. This research is critical for the x-disease task force and for an industry that has faced millions of dollars in losses from this pathogen.

This position will support the research activities in physiology in tree crops in Washington and to conduct research on plant physiology-pathogen interactions for sweet cherry. The person will conduct research, prepare project reports and presentations for conferences, and write manuscripts for journals. Furthermore, the person will perform professional-level work in scientific research, utilizing advanced skills and knowledge to execute the following tasks: plan field and laboratory experiments based on the season and phenology, run established research protocols, and modify and develop new procedures to achieve research goals. Moreover, the incumbent will collect, process, and analyze field and laboratory data and help coordinate data collection and logistics. The incumbent will be responsible for supervising graduate/undergraduate students, research assistants and hourly employees as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

60% Research and Informal instruction
20% Writing and Presenting
10% Supervising
5% Service
5% Other duties as assigned

Benefits

paid sick and vacation leave
paid holidays
medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
retirement
deferred compensation
optional supplemental retirement accounts

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts.

For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation. For information or questions about Benefits, please contact HRS Benefits at 509-335-4521.

Annual Salary: $62,232.00

This is a full time (100 % FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.

Appointment Duration: This is a temporary position expected to start on September 1, 2026 and end on August 31, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field within 5 years of hire and 3 years of experience in horticulture.
Demonstrate capacity to write papers independently.
Demonstrated proficiency in the use of computers and software applications.
Demonstrated effective interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
Technical skills in the laboratory, including microscopy and spectrophotometry.
Demonstrated ability to interact with large groups and individuals at all work levels.
Record showing commitment to the previous research groups.
Flexibility in response to issues and opposing points of view is required.
Demonstrated record of, or potential for, ensuring access and opportunity in all aspects of the educational experience in alignment with WSU's land-grant mission
Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver's license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.

Preferred Qualifications